Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will be sidelined at least for the next three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Saturday’s derby against Atletico Madrid.
The France international returned from a hip injury to face city rivals Atletico in a crucial game, but he had to leave the pitch at half-time after feeling pain in his right leg.
Real went on to lose against Diego Simeone men 0-1, putting an end to their title aspirations, as they sit 12 points behind leaders Barcelona.
After the game, Cristiano Ronaldo complained about the poor planning of the season that has led to Los Blancos suffering critical injury problems in the crucial stage of the season.
Benzema is the last man to join the Los Blancos infirmary, with Gareth Bale, Pepe and Marcelo already on the sidelines.
The club has issued an statement confirming the injury, although not specifying the expected recovery time. “After tests, Karim Benzema has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to his right hamstring,” the statement read.
Spanish press have reported the Frenchman will miss at least three weeks of action, including the La Liga matches against Levante, Celta Vigo, Las Palmas and Sevilla, and the Champions League game against Roma. Zinedine Zidane hopes he will have his country-man back for the Clasico against Barcelona on April 2nd.
